In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, we explore how outdoor education can foster Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) with two incredible guests. Camille Simone Edwards, a DEI practitioner with over 14 years of experience, and Dan Kriesberg, a veteran environmental educator and co-creator of Diversity Education in Nature, join us to discuss how nature can be a powerful space for building community and inclusivity.

Together, we dive into why DEIN is essential in education today, the biggest challenges educators face in integrating these principles into outdoor learning, and creative activities that help students engage with diversity and belonging in nature. We also explore how fostering a connection with nature supports a sense of place, stewardship, and community.

Tune in for practical strategies, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to make outdoor learning more inclusive for all students.

Connect with Our Guests:
🔹 Camille Simone Edwards – Learn more at Camille Simone Consulting
🔹 Dan Kriesberg – Discover his work at Earth Wisdom

Using Nature Awareness Skills to Build Communities of Belonging

Webinar Description: Join Camille Simone Edwards and Dan Kriesberg, creators of Diversity Education In Nature, for an introduction to using the nature awareness skills of attending wonderfulling. Participants will gain a toolkit of actions they can apply to create communities of belonging through better connections and understanding of each other and the more than human world.
The webinar outline:What is Diversity Education In Nature?What are the nature awareness skills of attending, wonderfulling, and pattern-seeking?How can they help build communities of belonging?What are some activities for our toolkit?How to move forward and take your first next step.
Date/Time: Tuesday, April 8 – 4p-5p EST via Zoom |

Zoom Linkhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/4867633541 |

Registration Linkhttps://tinyurl.com/52d5wzsb

----

In this episode, I’m sharing some BIG news—I’ve joined the Run Wild My Child Creative Team! I’ve followed them for years, drawn so much inspiration from their work, and now I get to be part of this incredible global community helping families get outside with ease. I’ll tell you all about my journey to becoming a team member, what this means for my writing, and why I’m so excited to contribute.

I’m also launching a 4-Part Virtual Course with The Outdoor Learning Store called Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom! If you’ve been looking for ways to take learning outside or want to deepen your outdoor teaching practice, this course is for you. I’ll walk through what each session covers and how it can support you in creating meaningful, engaging outdoor learning experiences.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
✔️ How I became a Run Wild My Child Creative Team Member
✔️ Why their Winter 2024 Brave magazine inspired me to apply
✔️ What it means to be part of a worldwide outdoor community
✔️ A sneak peek at my upcoming articles and contributions
✔️ Details on my Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom course and how it can help you

 Resources & Links:
✨ Subscribe to Run Wild My Child Magazine: Click Here
✨ Learn more about Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom: Click Here
✨ Check out my books: Click Here

Closing Notes:
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to leave a review! ⭐ Your support helps more educators and parents find the podcast. And if you’ve read any of my books, a review on Amazon or Google makes a huge difference for indie authors like me.

In this episode, we’re diving into one of my favourite ways to connect literacy and outdoor learning—using great books as a springboard for exploration and play. I’ll be sharing some of my go-to seasonal read-alouds along with simple, engaging activities to bring them to life outside.

From making Leaf Man-inspired creatures in the fall to tracking animal footprints in the snow, planting seeds in spring, and searching for nature’s spirals in summer, these activities invite students to experience books in a whole new way.

Of course, outdoor learning comes with its challenges! I’ll also be sharing some real-life moments—like what happens when the wind carries away a carefully crafted leaf creation or when students struggle to describe "wildness" in words. We’ll talk about simple adaptations to keep learning meaningful (and fun!) no matter the season.

🌱 Books & Activities in This Episode:
🍁 Fall: Leaf Man (Lois Ehlert) & Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn (Kenard Pak)
❄️ Winter: Over and Under the Snow (Kate Messner) & The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats)
🌸 Spring: The Curious Garden (Peter Brown) & Finding Wild (Megan Wagner Lloyd)
☀️ Summer: Swirl by Swirl (Joyce Sidman) & A Beach Tail (Karen Lynn Williams)

So grab a cozy drink, step outside, and let’s talk about how to make read-alouds an adventure! 🎧✨

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to Teach Outdoors on YouTube for more outdoor learning ideas!

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, I’m diving into two exciting topics: the Thrive Outside program and author visits. Whether it’s helping teachers bring outdoor learning into their classrooms or connecting with students through storytelling, these experiences are at the heart of what I do.

First, I’m sharing all about Thrive Outside: Grow Your Teaching Space, a 5-week pilot course designed to help you build confidence and creativity in outdoor learning. I’ll walk you through how this course offers hands-on, step-by-step strategies to create meaningful outdoor experiences for both you and your students.

Next, I take you behind the scenes of what an author visit looks like, from preparing for the event to sharing my book Me and My Sit Spot with students. Whether in-person or virtual, my author visits are all about bringing stories, nature, and interactive learning to classrooms across Canada.

Tune in to hear how author visits go beyond just reading books, how the writing process comes to life, and how you can book your own author visit or learn more about Thrive Outside.

In this episode, I sit down with Monica Wiedel-Lubinski, a passionate leader in nature-based education. As the founding director of the Association for Nature-Based Education (ANBE) and cofounder of three forest and nature preschools in Maryland, Monica has spent over two decades helping educators bring learning outdoors. She’s also the coauthor of the award-winning book Nature Play Workshop for Families and is currently writing a new book on nature-based early childhood education.

Together, we dive into:
🌿 How Monica first connected with nature-based education and what continues to inspire her.
🌱 Why nature is essential for childhood development—and what happens when kids don’t get enough time outside.
🚧 The biggest barriers teachers face when bringing learning outdoors—and actionable ways to remove them.
📚 Must-have resources for educators looking to deepen their understanding of nature-based learning and play.

Whether you're new to outdoor education or looking for fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you get outside with your students.

🔗 Listen now and explore how we can nurture a lifelong love of nature in the next generation!

Welcome to the Teach Outdoors Podcast! I’m your host, Lauren MacLean, and today we’re diving into the magic of winter with special guest April Zajko. Despite it being the end of January and winter feeling a bit delayed in my corner of the world, we’re getting ready to embrace all that the season has to offer for outdoor learning.

April Zajko, M.Ed., is an early childhood educator with nearly 25 years of experience, a keynote presenter, college instructor, and the founder of the vibrant Nature Inspired Teacher community with over 19,000 members. Her passion for connecting nature, art, and wellness shines through as she inspires educators worldwide to bring outdoor learning into their classrooms.

In this episode, April shares her expertise on winter outdoor education, including:
 The unique learning opportunities winter provides.
 How to keep students warm and comfortable.
 Tips for overcoming common winter challenges.
 Must-have materials for outdoor winter learning.
 Activities, subjects, and safety tips for winter exploration.

We also discuss accessibility, inclusivity, and why winter is a season worth celebrating in outdoor education.

Finally, I share updates about my online coaching program, Thrive Outside: Grow Your Teaching Space, starting February 12, 2025, and upcoming workshops across BC. For more details, visit teachoutdoors.ca or reach out to me directly at [email protected].

Bundle up and join us for this inspiring conversation!

In this episode, we’re joined by Maxine Panchuk and Brianna Aubin, two inspiring nature-based elementary school teachers from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Maxine, a kindergarten teacher with a passion for gardening, land-based teachings, and experiential learning, shares how she infuses these elements into her place-based pedagogy. Brianna, a Grade 1 teacher with an inquiry-driven approach, highlights how she incorporates outdoor adventures and place-based learning into her literacy-focused classroom.

Together, Maxine and Brianna discuss:

• The importance of having a “go bag” to make outdoor learning seamless.
• How to bring the outside in, creating nature-inspired indoor spaces.
• Routines and rituals that make outdoor learning (and all learning) meaningful and manageable.
• Classroom setup and organization tips to facilitate outdoor learning.
• Their favourite outdoor projects and field trips that bring learning to life.

Tune in to hear their practical tips, creative ideas, and heartfelt stories as they inspire educators to embrace outdoor learning and soak up the sunshine with their students.

In this episode of the Teach Outdoors podcast, we dive into the powerful connection between nature and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL is about nurturing essential skills like self-awareness, managing emotions, building relationships, and making responsible decisions—and there’s no better place to support these skills than in the great outdoors.

Join Lauren as she shares practical, nature-based activities to help foster resilience, mindfulness, and empathy in your students. From sensory walks and sit spots to bird language skits and cooperative games, these simple yet impactful strategies bring SEL to life in your outdoor classroom. You'll hear how activities like comfort scavenger hunts and nature breaths help students tune into their emotions, reflect on their choices, and build meaningful connections with each other and the environment.

Whether you're new to outdoor learning or looking to enhance your existing practices, this episode will offer valuable insights and inspiration to support your students’ social-emotional growth in nature.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How nature supports self-awareness and self-management
• Activities for developing social awareness and relationship skills
• Simple ways to foster responsible decision-making in an outdoor setting
• Tips for scaffolding outdoor experiences for all students

And don’t miss Lauren’s exciting updates about her books, professional development programs, and upcoming events!

Tune in and discover how nature can be your most powerful partner in supporting SEL. 🌱

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Me and My Sit Spot for Early Learners
• Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Parks
• Finding Common Ground
• Sitting With Nature: An Educator's Guide to Sit Spots

Thank you for listening, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review for Lauren’s books and programs to help others discover these valuable tools!

Music Credit: "From the Trees" by Brandon Grant.

Welcome back to Teach Outdoors, the podcast that inspires educators to take learning outside! In this episode, we chat with Leila Mireskandari, a Gardening Coach for teachers, founder of Kids Growing City, and host of the School Gardens with Ease podcast. Leila shares her journey from software developer to school garden expert, driven by her passion for growing food and teaching children crucial life skills. We dive into her Oasis programs, designed to help teachers create thriving school gardens that are fully managed by students and integrated into the curriculum. Whether you’re new to garden-based learning or looking to overcome common challenges, Leila’s insights offer practical strategies and inspiring success stories.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• 🌱 How Leila transitioned from a corporate job to leading school garden programs.
• 🌱 The driving factors behind her passion for food-growing education.
• 🌱 An overview of the Oasis suite of programs and how they empower teachers and students.
• 🌱 Challenges teachers face when starting a school garden and how Leila’s programs provide solutions.
• 🌱 Highlights from Leila’s work, including her experiences growing school gardens and overcoming obstacles.
• 🌱 Tips for maintaining a sustainable garden year-round, even through summer breaks.

Key Takeaways:

1. Gardens as Classrooms: Leila’s Oasis programs are designed to be easy for teachers to implement during the school day, connecting directly to the curriculum and allowing students to lead the way.
2. Skill Development: Beyond gardening, students gain valuable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and an understanding of food systems and sustainability.
3. Overcoming Obstacles: Leila shares her lessons from running gardens in various settings, helping teachers bypass common pitfalls.
4. Sustainability Tips: Practical advice for ensuring school gardens thrive, even when school isn’t in session.

About Our Guest: Leila Mireskandari is a certified Permaculture Designer, Landscape Designer, and holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies with a focus on food-growing education. She has been running school garden programs full-time since 2013, helping schools create abundant, educational food gardens with ease.

Connect with Leila:

• Website: Kids Growing City
• Podcast: School Gardens with Ease
• Instagram: @kidsgrowingcity

Resources Mentioned:

• The Oasis Series Programs (Lesson plans, student booklets, and support for teachers)
• Tips for garden sustainability and student-led projects

Welcome back to the Teach Outdoors podcast! I’m Lauren, and today we’re diving into Outdoor Literacy—exploring ways to take reading and writing outside to deepen students' connection with nature while enhancing their literacy skills. I’ll share my favourite mentor texts, engaging outdoor literacy activities, and effective routines that support reading and writing in nature. From using Sit Spots and nature journals to storytelling with stones, this episode is packed with ideas to help you make literacy come alive outdoors.

Plus, I’m thrilled to share updates on Nature’s Path: A Year of Monthly Parks, now in its third year and used by schools across North America. This program offers monthly videos and resources designed to inspire outdoor learning with seasonal activities, book recommendations, and circle reflection prompts, linked to the curriculum. You can find more information on my website here or connect with me on Instagram.

Lastly, don’t miss out on my latest content across platforms—Instagram for quick tips, and YouTube Shorts for student-friendly activities you can play in class. And if you haven’t picked up a copy of my second children’s book, Finding Common Ground, it’s available on my website, Amazon, and major bookstores. Reviews help new readers discover it, so please leave one if you can! Until next time, keep exploring, writing, and reading in the wild!